Candidate name: Chris Pilkerton

Party affiliation: Republican

Place of residence: North Potomac

Date of birth: July 6, 1973

Place of birth: Potomac

Current occupation: Hedgefund Attorney

Education: M.P.A. in International Economics, Columbia University; J.D. and C.C.P. Catholic University of America Law School; B.A., Fairfield University; Gonzaga High School; Our Lady of Mercy Grade School

Community associations, involvement: Montgomery County Committee on Hate and Violence, Current Chair of Legislative Subcommittee; Montgomery County Western Area Advisory Board, former member;

Professional associations: American Bar Association; Managed Futures Association

Family: Single

Campaign office address and telephone: Address: 13428 Query Mill Road, North Potomac, MD 20878; Phone: 301-237-2687

Link to candidate’s web site: www.gotpilk.com

Link to state Board of Elections campaign finance database

Gang Up on Gangs⁄Teacher to Student Ratio: A comprehensive anti-gang legislative strategy which includes teacher training and discussions in schools. This relates to another issue that I am passionate about which is a reasonable student to teacher ratio. Teachers need to be able to teach and the General Assembly should provide the opportunity to do that. Whether that means a legal mandate for a certain class size or working more closely with elected county officials, this problem needs to be addressed.

Legislation supporting Hero Housing or affordable housing for teachers, police officers, fire fighters and nurses who commit to serving in those positions for at least 5 years. It is important that these public servants be able to live where they work. This could include incentives for developers and mortgage lenders who provide reduced rates as part of this program, thus limiting tax dollars spent.

Legislation supporting the development and use of alternative fuels and energy sources, like ethanol. In the wake of Maryland’s electricity issues and with the present technological advancements, we truly have an opportunity to become a model state for energy development

How would you rate the performance of the current representatives of your district: excellent, good, fair or poor? Why?

Good, but we can do better. I am not running to disparage the past work of others, rather I am running to bring fresh ideas and unique experience to the problems that need to be addressed now. For example, we can not afford to let gang violence continue to develop in Maryland and in District 15. As a former narcotics prosecutor, I believe I have insight that can help fight this problem.

Do you support amending the constitution to give the legislature more budget authority?

Any amendment should be limited. I believe the system we currently have in place provides the necessary checks and balances for an accountable executive and legislature.

Is the rate of growth in Maryland too fast, too slow or about right, and why?

The rate of growth is not the question, rather, the question is whether an adequate plan is in place, just ask the residents of Clarksburg. People are going to continue to move to Maryland. That is just the reality. We, as a community, need to plan accordingly. This means everything from making clear commitments to protecting open space, identifying transportation corridors, as well as working with local Boards of Education to forecast needs in school construction to maintain reasonable class sizes for our teachers and students.

What programs would you like to add or cut from the state budget? How would you pay for additional programs? What would you do with the money from any cuts you make?

I would add an anti-gang initiative to the budget, as well as increase funding for special education programs that has been reduced in recent years. These programs would not require more funding, but rather redirect funding for current programs that are not interactive enough to address these issues.

I would also like to see funding for a Maryland Corps program that would provide partial tuition reimbursement to college graduates that commit to a certain amount of time to the public service of Maryland (egs. police officer, teacher, firefighter, nurse). Although initial savings on this concept will most likely not be immediately measurable, this type of program will save taxpayer money down the road with respect to juvenile justice programs and public service recruitment, as well as a host of other areas.

As a former tax crimes prosecutor, I would like to increase resources for enforcement of tax collection. These numbers can add up and assist in the ultimate bottom line for our state.

Are there specific taxes or fees that you would cut?

The most interesting idea I am considering is the possibility of eliminating sales tax for those citizens over the age of 65. The idea is that by eliminating sales tax for that portion of our community, there will not be such drain on social security and that income will be reintroduced into the state economy in the form of consumer spending.

Do you support slot machines for Maryland? Why or why not?

Although I appreciate the argument that gambling is a slippery slope and can be a gateway to increased crime, I believe that with significant oversight, Maryland can establish a system that allows the state to remain competitive with surrounding states, while supporting the horse farms that our so vital to our community.

Do you support giving driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants?

No. The key word here is illegal. Ultimately, immigration is a federal issue, however all levels of government must work to fashion an immigration policy that will enforce the law, but will document immigrants and secure tax revenues. Anyone that enjoys the freedoms and services of America must contribute to their cost.

Do you support in-state tuition to illegal immigrants?

Same answer as above.

What is the biggest problem facing higher education and what would you do to solve it?

The cost of tuition. At the current annual increase in cost, working families will not be able to send their children to college, in or out of state. I support the concept of the State College Prepaid Fund, which allows parents to lock in tuition rates and prepay for college while there child is still young. These monies give the state flexibility in investing those dollars to benefit the university infrastructure before the child even steps foot on the campus.

Where would you get more money for the Transportation Trust Fund?

I believe we should consider working with corporate partners who purchase equity in toll roads. These public private partnerships allow state governments to avoid significant budget deficits due to debt financing (toll revenue bonds), and spread the price risks of cost overruns and incorrect revenue projections to private partners.

What specific transportation projects do you see as priorities for the state?

Specific projects include: the Inter County Connector; the expansion of Metro, Light Rail and MARC trains; however, I believe corporate incentives for telecommuting should continue to be examined.

Should there be a dedicated funding source for Washington and Baltimore mass transit?

Although Maryland’s Transportation Trust Fund should be secured to address the most pressing concerns, dedicated priority should not be given to any one area. This should be a comprehensive strategy that should be fair and equitable to all tax paying citizens.

Would you re-regulate the electricity industry?

Inattention to this issue in the past has not only led to increased rates, but now includes a downgrade in these companies by Wall Street, which will undoubtedly provide more strain on the companies and our citizens. I believe the state should consider the concept of aggregation when it comes to power. This allows municipalities to purchase electricity on behalf of households and then resell it to their residents. This has proven to give participants greater market power and saved millions of dollars for areas such as Montgomery County. Another option would be to force the companies to become less market dependent and secure⁄build more electric plants. Up front cost may secure a more tolerable long term rate. Either way, this issue needs to be resolved, and the state needs to speak with one voice about how its citizens will be affected now and could be affected 7 years from now.

Do you believe Maryland’s gun control laws are too strict, not strict enough or just right?

I believe that Maryland should establish more extensive licensing and registration processes for all firearms. I believe this is key in tracking the movement of firearms and battling violent gangs.

What is your position on abortion?

I am pro-choice. I am Catholic and support the tenets of my faith. However, as a legislator, I do not believe I have the right to choose for a woman. That said, I do support parental notifications and the loosening of regulations on adoption.

Should the Maryland constitution be changed to allow same-sex marriages?

I am not opposed to same-sex marriage. This world is full of broken marriages and domestic violence, and if two people pledge to love and support each other, I do not believe that I have the right to stand in the way of that pursuit of happiness.

Does the state need stricter controls to protect the environment?

Yes. Although that question can be answered on a case by case basis, I would encourage that environmental concerns be a priority for proposals in the next legislative session.

What is your position on the Corridor Cities Transitway? Assuming you support it, do you believe it should be a bus or light-rail system? What would you do to advance its funding?

I support the Corridor Cities Transitway. The Montgomery County Planning Board has determined that the bus system would be substantially more cost effective. I believe we should start with a bus system and determine ridership. If that cost-benefit analysis changes with that data, I would support considering a light rail system.

The upcounty remains one of Montgomery County’s fastest growing areas and a growing crime problem is a concern for residents? What is your plan for providing state support to the local mission of protecting public safety?

My legislative priorities of a comprehensive anti-gang plan and affordable housing for teachers and police officers compliment each other as a response to this question. First, provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to detect and investigate gang related crime, and the legislature should work with law enforcement to assist in police recruitment efforts. Secondly, police officers are given a take home police car if they live in Montgomery County. If more officers were able to afford to live in Montgomery County, there would be more police cars parked in our neighborhoods which is an obvious deterrent to violence, as well as nuisance type crime which plagues neighborhoods all over the state. Finally, many gang members are recruited and initiated at a very young age. Once many of those young people spend any time in prison for a minor offense, they are more easily indoctrinated into a gang family that supports them once they are released from prison. Community organizations, such as schools and religious institutions, need to speak to kids about these problems early and provide them after school opportunities. If more teachers were able to live where they work, I believe they would become more involved in after school activities which would ultimately discourage menacing behavior from at risk students.